Taking the good with the bad

It is currently 5:16am local time and I am sitting at the Tim Hortons near Arrivals in Montréal airport. Honestly, I don't really know what time I feel like it is; early morning, late morning, afternoon, evening...Am I hungry, tired, stressed? Not a clue. All I know is that it's dark out, there's snow everywhere, it's -10C, and everyone seems perfectly content with this. For once I'm not getting any looks for walking around in a t-shirt. And the fact that I'm sipping a Large Green Tea that together with a toasted bagel with cream cheese cost me 3,39$. I missed Canada :) I also very much missed hearing Canadian French, and people communicating by slipping back in forth between the two languages. Despite the fact that I've been in this airport for over 5 hours, and I have another 8-9 to go, I am really loving this moment.

This entire trip has been along these same lines. Horrid, but filled with very good moments. It all started off with my TGV from Bruxelles Midi to Paris Charles de Gaulle leaving over an hour late, due to an inability to find the Conductor or controllers. Turns out they were on another train that was severely late and had not yet arrived. Then when our train finally got going, we were not going the speed of a high speed train, which should take 1h20 to get to Paris, but rather the speed of a normal train with a few extended stops along the way. "Due a des conditions climatiques sévères." These 'severe' weather conditions that made my train ride last over 4 hours where one in the same that proceeded to basically shut down all of Paris and Charles de Gaulle resulting in the cancellation and severe delay of almost every flight: 15-20cms of snow that were accompanied by a light wind in the morning. Are you freaking kidding me?!

The "extreme" weather as viewed from my very slow train

So once I finally got to Charles de Gaulle, I proceeded to wait in what was surely the longest line of my entire life to try to drop off my bags. As it turns out, because so many flights were cancelled and delayed,  there were 7 times the people there all waiting in line to find out information about their flights and connections. Some people who had been there all morning and all day already, so were starting to get very testy. There were also a ton of Italians; who together and angry about their flights did not improve the situation. I did meet the one other native english speaker in line though, Anny. An American from Oregon who is currently teaching English in Reims, France and was on her way to visit her uncle in Madrid for Christmas. She was very cool and such a positive attitude considering the amount of time we had already been waiting in line, and the fact that she was most likely going to be spending the next day or two in the airport. She is going to stay on my couch when she takes her newly planned visit to Brussels.

When I FINALLY got to the counter, get this, 5 hours later in a 50ft line, there was this angry Italian screaming incessantly at the woman who was trying to help me. It took her probably 15 minutes just to be able to tell me that my flight was severely delayed and did not leave 4 hours ago like it should have, because he kept screaming at her in Italian to fix his situation. I mean honestly, she didn't even speak Italian, he was just an ass. But so it turns out, she checked my bag telling me that because my flight was currently boarding, there was absolutely no guarantees that it would make it to Winnipeg, let alone Montréal. So I ran to the gate, which had to be across the airport, got through customs and security, only to find that boarding had been delayed another hour and a half, pushing the final delay up to 6 hours. The good thing being though, that I caught my flight.

The AirFrance flight to Montréal however, despite it's severe delays and lack of TVs, was very lovely. One of the best flights I have taken. The chairs were comfortable and actually properly reclined, allowing me to actually fall asleep for a few hours. They provided actual pillows and blankets, not pieces of foam paper masquerading as such. They provided a little gift pack which included headphones, a moist towelette, ear plugs and an eye cover for sleeping, and a menu. The menu of course being for the food. Let me tell you, this meal, on the list of most memorable meals since being in Europe; and I got it at 40 000ft in the air! The Entrée was Mixed vegetable julienne with smoked salmon. Main course of Chicken pennette pasta with a tomato basil and oregano cream sauce. With a fresh roll, Camembert cheese, a Mandarine orange, and a Tartelette Normande for dessert. It also came with bottled water from the Alps and a very nice 2009 Chardonnay. The only difference between this meal and a meal at a 5 star restaurant, being this one was served all together on a handy non-slip tray, with everything being its respective temperature. The orange chilled, the Julienne fresh, the pasta hot and chicken tender, roll warm, and Tartelette just delicious.

When I finally arrived at Montréal airport it was just after midnight local time, and my connecting flight to Winnipeg had obviously left just about 5 hours earlier. And since everything shuts down between midnight at 6am, I was left to bunker down in a waiting room until morning when I could talk to Westjet and get another flight. My new flight leaving at 2:15 in the afternoon. A good thing being though, My luggage miraculously arrived. And despite my very short sleep of the night taking place half in the airplane, and half on a padded bench in a semi-quiet waiting room upstairs, there have been nice things about being here. For starters, Service people are friendly again. I asked a random security guard on my way in where to go to talk to someone and he not only chatted with me for a few minutes but walked me to the escalator. They are extremely helpful. When I did find the information desk the woman was busy, but a kind older gentleman who worked somewhere else in the airport helped me out, told me I was to wait, and even pointed me to the quiet(ish) waiting room. The bathrooms are not only everywhere and free, but large and very clean. There are probably 10 different cafés in the airport alone. Free internet. And finally, one of the most appreciated after living in Europe, there is lots of space and things are logically and well designated in two languages that I understand. All this and I still have at least 16-17 hours before being back in Redvers.

Je voudrais être innombrable et divers

Look out the window, tell me what you see..

raindrops falling from a grey sky, hitting the people below
blue lights flashing and sirens wailing
the glow of an endless parade of cars, all impatiently fighting to get down the same road
withered fallen leaves clumped up on the pavement
medieval, neo-classical, post-modern and modern architecture, each fighting for the limelight, hoping to get noticed
and a flower.

Violet and white, a long green stem, thick, withered and wilted at the bottom, yet frail and lively at the top.
A single natural ray of colour and brightness on an otherwise morose landscape.
It does not have to compete to be seen, yet it balances perfectly with it's environment. It is bright and bold, yet does not contrast or look out of place. And most of all, it brings an effortless joy to those who take the time to notice it.

What it would be, to be that flower...

Come to think of it, I do really like that flower. Next tattoo perhaps? Then again, I do already have a few tattoos with flowers. Hm..

Well, life continues as usual. I leave Brussels for Redvers (well, technically Winnipeg) in 3 days. I don't want to leave, yet can't wait to go at the same time. Just as I feel the need to write, think and analyse, but I very much don't when it comes to my essays. Or how I want to be alone in solitude, and with people in laughter, all at once. To see a movie, but read a book. To wander aimlessly, yet sit comfortably at home. To travel the world, but live in familiarity. To speak several languages, but never leave the comforts of one. To have many different friends, but only have a few excellent ones. To fall in love, but to live independently. To see beauty and happiness in life, but to think rationally and calculated at the same time. To follow your heart and instincts, but to make rational, well thought out decisions. To be carefree, but not negate your responsibilities.

This all reminds me of that poem I mentioned ages ago that I found in Amsterdam, but could never find again. Well here is it finally. Although I still can't remember the authors name..

I guess really it all comes down to the infamous question, what is the meaning of life? Seeing as there clearly is not one answer to that question (or we have just not yet found it), what to you makes a life fulfilling and worth living?

Life, or something like it

I cannot believe that it's already been 4 years ago today. 4 years. I still remember the day and the weekend before it like it was yesterday. How things have changed in 4 years... To think how different things might have been...How different things were...

In 4 years I've probably made hundreds of new friends, and kept the few that are worthwhile. I've learned so many new things and talked to so many new people. I have met people from all over the world. I have had so many new experiences. I have went to live in Belgium. I've gotten a Bachelors Degree and started a Masters. I've been in and out of a few relationships. I could keep going forever, but bottom line is that almost everything imaginable in my life has changed. To think what a difference 4 years in time can make. What a difference one bad night can make for that matter... Proof of all this is that most of you in my life today won't even know what I'm taking about. 4 years ago today, on Dec 11th, 2006 Josh committed suicide.

Some people wonder why I'm so camera-happy at times, wanting to snap pictures of people and moments. I've been told almost everything. "I don't need pictures of myself" "I'll remember this just fine without pictures" Well it's not for you that I take pictures.

These of Josh were all taken Late Summer and Fall of 2006. I'm pretty sure I had to force him into most of these pictures, but I'm glad I did. Sadly I don't even think I have one remotely "recent" picture of Dad and I.

Some people also wonder why I'm so blunt at times, why I'll leave some parties early and never show up for others, why I'll spend inordinate amounts of time with some people and not even say hi to others, why I want to take up every whim and instinct I have, why I want to follow up on plans and dreams and turn them in to a reality, and why I try to make the best of every situation. Well it's very simple... life is too short to spend it faking happiness, or in company you don't enjoy. It's too short not to enjoy living in the moment and making moments count. It's too short to leave something important unsaid, or to not have followed your instincts when you should have. It's far too short to be dramatic about the little things, and people who know me will tell you that I have very little patience for that. Because once something major happens, such as one of your favorite people in the world passing away in a car accident when you're 14, or a good friend committing suicide at age 18, it puts everything else in to perspective. How can it not. You realize that life is a collection of moments and thoughts, and it's the good and important ones that you remember. So try to make as many good memories as you can, with the people that you love. Life is far too short to spend it in the company of ass-holes, wishing you were somewhere else.

Take the time to be alone. Take the time to be with family. Take the time to be with great friends. Take the time to make new friends that might become great ones. Take the time to fall in love. Take the time to follow up on plans and make them a reality. Take the time to tell someone the truth. Take the time to tell someone what they mean to you. Take the time to really live life, because not everyone will get all the time they want to do so.

Belgian Christmas

I thought North Americans went all out for Christmas? Wow, I was wrong. I don't know how the rest of Europe is, but Belgians definitely do Christmas right. All around the same time, Christmas exploded all over the city. The Plaisirs d'Hiver Christmas market and all of it's amazing-ness opened, vin chaud started being served all over the city including sandwich carts, I think every light post or tree even in the dingier neighbourhoods (like ours...) is decked with lights, and the grocery stores are jam packed with people while the cashiers give out speculoos cookies with every purchase. As Tom pointed out, Christmas is also much less commercial here than it is in North America. Granted we do not have a TV, but the only ads we have seen are advertising espresso and coffee makers and cars. You don't see ads, promotions, and movies everywhere telling you to drink eggnog (with rum), make (or buy) shortbread cookies, gingerbread houses, and all kinds of Christmas baking, to (first buy then) put up lights on your house, and (again buy then decorated) to have the fanciest most elegant Christmas tree on the block. You have wonderful non-pressuring Christmas spirit with Christmas trees in every square, lights and decorations in the streets, and vin chaud by the bucket. All that's missing for the Christmas feeling to be complete is for the snow to come back (and me to finish my essays...or start them).

Aah winter..

Winter has officially hit Brussels. I just took this picture at 9:30pm outside my living room window. There is a few centimeters of snow on the ground, snowflakes falling from the sky, temperatures of -12, and Belgians and Europeans everywhere slipping, sliding and afraid do drive.. A friend said that over the weekend when they were on the highway coming back to Brussels from France traffic was moving at 30kms/h. Even walking around the pace has slowed to a crawl. We've discussed it at length, and we believe it's because, as Canadians, winter turns the country in to one giant icy freezer for 6 months of the year. So naturally, half your time is spent walking and driving on snow. You get used to it pretty quickly, and learn how to function in such conditions. Whereas in other countries where they have 'normal' winters of 3-4 months and only a bit of snow, they do not adjust the same way we do. So when you get a centimeter or 2 of snow, there are warnings issued on the radio to be careful while driving, and transit is even disrupted.

With winter and the holiday season in Brussels comes the Plaisirs d'Hiver festival, or Winter Wonders. "Every winter, the heart of Brussels beats to the rhythm of Winter Wonders – featuring a magical decor, a magnificent Christmas Market, illuminated Big Wheel, roundabouts, street activities and of course the famous skating rink. " Or so their website says. I have yet to go, but I have heard from everyone that it is absolutely amazing. I've also heard its reputed to be one of the most unique in all of Europe. Plus they have Vin Chaud by the barrel. A few friends and I that haven't gone plan on checking it out this weekend, that is if I don't go with Tom, Stephen, and Lidia to stay on an 18th century Russian war ship docked near Amsterdam for only 40 euro round trip. I might be able to do both...but then I wouldn't be able to work on my final projects and essays that are due very soon. Decisions, decisions. Either way I cannot drink this weekend as I am drugged up on 3 different medications after getting my wisdom tooth pulled today; antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and Belgian pain killers, which make you very relaxed and wonderful feeling. But definitely not as high as the French cold meds.

Things are definitely looking up. I feel like I can get back to normal life now. I got confirmation today that our lease ends March 31st of 2010, so we can move out then with no fees. I am officially registered with the commune and legal in the country, I just have to wait another 2-3 weeks for the card. I received confirmation from the University of Kent head office in Canterbury that my (second set of ) student loan forms have been signed and are being shipped to Canada tomorrow. Other things and issues with people have been sorted out or are in progress as well. So all I have to do is finish these papers and projects, and I can put this term behind me. :) Next term looks very promising. Not only does it look like all my classes will be on Tuesday, giving me the entire rest of to manage things and travel, but I will actually have the month break after classes  that is allotted for essays, to do essays. So I don't have to worry about finishing them during the term.

So between stresses being alleviated, this term coming to a close, proper winter outside, Christmas in 3 weeks, the wonderful pain killers, and the very cozy heater I'm leaning up against, life seems good again :) I'm also in the draft planning stages of a vacation in Spain after I hand in my dissertation as a reward. The ideal situation would be to get a part-time internship in January, and since they typically last 3-6 months, I would be finished in July. And other full time internships typically start in September, and my dissertation is due beginning of August, giving me August free to relax. I want to spend a few weeks in either Barcelona or Granada taking spanish classes, traveling the area, laying on the beach, and just generally living life in Spain. The only hindrance is money. But I figure that seeing as I'm already going to be in debt from this Masters program and doing unpaid internships after it, what's another 500 euro to give myself a break?

The good side of 6am?

Life is all about perception. Sometime getting up at 6am is great and feels invigorating, other times you wish 6am didn't exist. At times, being alone is peaceful and relaxing, other times its lonely and depressing. Sometimes being busy gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, satisfaction even. Other times you wish more than anything you could have free time. Two people can almost get hit by a bus. One perceives it as a near-death experience and has a life altering moment, thinking about how lucky he is to still be alive. The other adds it up to a bad day, and that life is nothing but one car accident after another. Your outlook makes the difference between enjoying yourself at the party, wishing you were elsewhere, and mopping at home missing it. I guess we all do need a sense of balance, and a bit of these things at one time or another. But, my question is, how can we get to seeing the good things? How can we alter our perception to enjoy the alone quiet time, to relish the sense of accomplishment in work, and to truly enjoy the moment that we're in, rather than hope and wait for the next good one?

Lately I've been trying my best to get to that other side.. I'll only be at this stage in my life, having these particular opportunities and moments, living this particular life once. So the question remains, how to live each day to the fullest? How to better appreciate what I have? I suppose that is the million dollar question in life though; how to live in the moment while still on a solid path to the future.

I would also like to apologize to my blog for neglecting it. When you're concerned about your legal status in a country, your place to live and whether you will continue to have one, your funding for paying tuition, rent, and groceries, and trying to keep up with classes, readings, and assignments, all while trying to keep a positive spirit about it, or at least have the will to get out of bed in the mornings, isn't exactly conducive to positive, critical thought and reflection, nor does it leave the time for it. Things have gotten better though. The light is at the end of the tunnel again, the end is near. In exactly 3 weeks I will be in landing in Winnipeg airport. Whether this is actually relieves the stress or is more stress inducing is another question.

One thing I do really love right now is this project for my Negotiation and Mediation class. We are partaking in a simulation of a multilateral negotiation. It is designed to be as realistic as possible. We were given an 11 pages document of general background information on the area in question, the 2 ethnic groups living there, short history of their past grievances, their present issue(s), all including all the actors that are involved. We are also given maps, statistics, municipal budgets, and project funding by particular actors and organisations. We're then given our private instructions as one of the actors in the situation. We're then to prepare for the meeting and mediation (which happens all day this Friday) completely in character. This involves studying the case, preparing interest tools, options chart, perception tools, alternatives assessments, and having bilateral meetings with parties involved to assess their interests and issues in order to better prepare for the meeting. Because as in a real life situation, our private instructions entail our perceptions of the situation, our issues, and our view on it. These can include correct information or false, can be misleading, and can be contradictory to other actors.

I was given the role of OUS representative, the Organisation of Unified States that is intervening in the conflict to replace the IMIO (another international organisation that stopped the violence). Today alone I have a meeting with a local NGO involved in the conflict at 12:30, the IMIO representative at 13:00, and the mediator from PSP conducting the mediation Friday at 14:00. I even got up at 6am this morning to have lots of time to get ready and prepare myself for the meetings. Let's just examine that again. I, me, got up, out of bed, awake, at 6 in the morning. Without having to get to work, being coerced, or woken up by anyone. I think that says something.. I mean, I love it. I could really see myself doing this, and I hope I will.

That is, provided that I eventually actually manage to get through all my other classes and assignments to finish my Masters.

"The richness of those perceptions and carnal experiences lies entirely in the ability to simply pay attention"

From Saint-Exupéry's the Little Prince: "Grown-ups love figures. When you tell them that you have made a new friend, they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you, “What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies?” Instead, they demand: “How old is he? How many brothers has he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make?” Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.”


"Oscar Wilde frequently makes me laugh, particularly when I think of his “Only superficial people do not judge by appearances.” The bottom line is that the spirit, intelligence, kindness, sensuality - all that is good and joyous in the human being, does appear to the eye. From the eye to the eye. The richness of those perceptions and carnal experiences lies entirely in the ability to simply pay attention. The French don’t “pay” attention or “pay” visits (and other things I’ve forgotten). They “make / do” them."


"There is a line from a Michael Jackson song “I’m not going to spend my life being a colour.” I feel this about a great many things, and right now I’m thinking of age and I’m not going to spend my life adding up or attempting to not add up either. I don’t want to be “young” or “old”, dress young or old, do young or old. I’ve always been old and young simultaneously and still am. (I guess THAT adds up ...) For music too - there’s no need to get stuck on anything because there is both excellence and mediocrity in everything, in most genres. "

This morning, while I was supposed to be reading on the relations between religion and war, or even researching on the theoretical constructs of the conflict in Congo, I got caught up reading texts that were not written specifically to convey important pieces of information, or to add a body of literature to their respective field, but texts that were written for the sake of writing. Texts that were written for the love of words and language; to explore a particular idea or theory, but not necessarily contribute to it or critique it, rather just to marvel in it. You may wonder what was so different about these texts than any other blog or informal piece of literature on the internet. Probably nothing spectacular at first glance, but these articles were written by an academic, who chose a social networking site as a medium rather than an academic journal or forum. Again at first glance, the difference doesn't seem very noteworthy. Many people write for the sake of writing, but it is these slight differences in the style of writing (choice of vocabulary, style, structure or lack thereof, use of "I") and the freedom of the content itself that would have the piece deemed "inappropriate" for formal and academic functions, that makes it so wonderful and captivating. The medium itself then adds to the message.

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and many other sites on the internet were not designed to impart on you wisdom and knowledge that would contribute to your education and your life, they were designed to keep in contact with friends and loved ones at all times, regardless of distance. What happened though, is that these places turned in to forums for absolutely anyone to share thoughts and ideas with a potentially limitless audience, a luxury that was previously reserved for a select minority. We then got exposed to a flood of theories, ideas, comments and critiques on a daily basis. We had to start consciously and subconsciously filtering all this information in to categories of actual knowledge and wisdom, and that of opinions. We started to discern what is actual knowledge we should absorb, and what isn't. What is important to know, and what is not. What is important to think about, and what is not. As a result, to save time and effort, many people consider the internet as a whole, as an unreliable source of information. Many people think that true knowledge, knowledge that we should pay attention to comes out of text books and scholarly articles; concrete things. And most importantly, things we have to pay for. I mean clearly, we have entire institutions that charge exorbitant amounts of money to have you read information out of texts and scholarly articles for a year, and then deem you to be more learned than before. What is sometimes forgotten though, is the fact that true wisdom, the kind of wisdom that shakes the very foundation of your being, can come from a homeless man on the street. It can come from a five year old child. It can come from your grandfather. It can come from a children's novel. It can even come from Facebook, the place were the world meets. What matters is not the form in which information is presented, but rather our ability to "pay" attention and our ability to absorb things around us and to think critically about them, regardless the source. And what is Facebook if not a medium to convey our every thought about the world around us? Being in a Masters program, it's really refreshing to read a very well written, completely founded, and intriguing thought, not out of my dozens of stacks of articles, but off of Facebook.

The 3 excerpts I chose above were taken from notes on Facebook written by Helena da Silva. Two of which were written in response to and to simply marvel in the thoughts imparted by Clarice Lispector and her novel Agua Viva. Although I didn't take any of the references to Lispector herself or to her novel, I chose to share these three citations because I find them fascinating and I couldn't agree with them more.

Does Saskatchewanian = crazy?

Lately I have been feeling more Canadian than usual, or more Saskatchewanian to be exact. Which coupled with my readings lately on the finer details of the realist outlook on international relations, has got me thinking a lot about identity questions and the concept of 'othering'. What makes up our individual identity? What leads people to believe themselves the same as some, and different than others? Nationality? Ethnicity? Geography? Language? History? Values? Experiences? Why do we feel the need to categorize and differentiate ourselves from others? Is it intrinsic in our natural process of self-identification or is it a byproduct of the societal and theoretical structure in which we live? What makes people prefer to donate to charities "at home" rather than donate to international charities and organisations? Is it calculated? Based on need? Based on a pre-existing preference of charities? Or is it simply because we feel this inherent pride, unity, and empathy for "our country"that we do not feel for others. That we make a clear difference between "us" and "them".

This is where it gets complicated for Canadians. The million-dollar question always is, what makes us Canadian? Seriously though, how do you provide a uniting definition for citizens of a multicultural country built on a bilingual framework? How do you aptly describe a country that is so massive, that it is frequently divided in to 6 large sub-regions, that each have their own unique geography, climate, history, and even dialect?

Well, one thing that definitely makes you stand out as a Saskatchewanian, other than the fact that you bleed green, is your tolerance for changing temperatures and "extreme" cold. Honestly, growing up in Saskatchewan, I didn't think that -30C was considered "extreme". Cold, yes. But you just had to make sure to bundle up. -40 and -50 maybe, but -20 and -30?? People here, and not even just the Europeans and Belgians, but people from all around the world, are getting out their thick winter jackets, boots, their mitts, scarves and hats (not 'toques') to brace the cold. It was about +8 today, and currently at about 12:48am it is +4 and I am still sleeping with my window open! (Must be the Grandma Zoé in me coming out).

This is very much a new concept to me that THIS is "cold". I checked out the temperatures for Stockholm when we will be there in November, because everyone keeps telling us that that time of the year it's freezing there. I relayed the information back to Andrew and Olivia that the seasonal average is from -3 to +3, and they have already started bitching about the cold. Everyone (aside from myself) has plans to stock up on warm winter clothing, some longjohns, thick mitts, and the whole nine yards.

I mean, I know we're a little crazy in SK for braving the occasional -50C with windchill, but is it not a little ridiculous that -3C is considered really cold?? Or is that just us..

For all you non-SK people, don't believe me? Check out one of these articles:
The Starphoenix (Saskatoon): Irkutsk! It's colder than Siberia
Environment Canada: The Coldest Place On Earth

And the winner is...

2 things I do not like about Beligum:

• The postal service; it has taken 22 days and counting for my student loan papers to come from Canterbury, UK. Which means that I still haven't gotten the chance to send the form back to Canada for them to process it. Which means, that I still do not have any money... 
• Bureaucracy; to do anything here, you need to fill out a form (or seven) and it will take 6-8 business days to process. You miss one appointment, and you have to re-start the process. As what happened with my registering with the commune. I wasn't here when they came to verify where I live, so they crossed my name off without saying anything. A month later upon my inquiry, I was told I had to restart the process. After 3 hours on the phone with different people at the commune and at the Police station, I finally managed to avoid restarting and got an appointment for the following week to settle it.

Things I love about Europe (that may or may not have anything to do with Belgium):

• Laws concerning alcohol consumption (or lackthereof). Because the country wasn't settled by uptight puritans *cough* North America *cough*, they aren't as anal about regulating every aspect of the sale and consumption of alcohol. As a result, the taboo is taken out of it, and you get less binge drinking and more casual drinks. You also get alcohol at every grocery store, convenience store, restaurant, and food cart on the street. You can have tables on the side walk with no need to extend a complicated liquor permit. You get people wandering out chatting on the street in front of pubs and bars without the need to crowd people wanting fresh air in to a smokers room. And best of all, you get no "last call" at 1:30am because the liquor permit expires at 2am; the average bar closes at 6am, and smaller pubs will close when there aren't any more people left inside.
• Greater freedom of expression and an encouragement to voice those concerns, especially in the forms of protests. Since school has started (not even a full month), I have seen/involuntarily been in 3 different mass protests. By mass protests I mean some major closure of a street, transit system, or company, well over 500 people gathered of marching, and any number of riot police in action. While I do appreciate and admire these protests, it makes it difficult to properly rely on things like public transit, as every time there is a protest, the buses and above ground transportation cannot pass. 
• Gender parity and acceptance of diversity; While Belgium and Western Europe as a whole are still not quite at the equality levels of Iceland, they are definitely above and beyond North America. This applies to gender equality, sexual orientation, and acceptance of diversity and multiculturalism. People may point to France's ban on burkas to say otherwise. However, have these people ever compared the level of diversity found in France compared to say, the Prairies? As an exampe, today there are over 80 different nationalities all coexisting in Brussels.
• Advanced technology; It is true that while consumer technology such as TVs, computers, iPods, etc. are cheaper in North America, every day technologies that change everything from the way we go shopping, to the security levels of computers and cards, to an eye exam at the optometrist are much more advanced here. In Canada we're just starting to see the mass implementation of chips in debit and credit cards, while here they barely know what to do with a card that doesn't have a chip. Most debit transactions are also done instantly, rather than have a minute wait time at the till. At home banking is done with either a security module on your computer or an at home chip reader to prevent fraud. 
• Going get your eyes tested and new contacts in North America requires an appointment, and minimum 45 minutes for the 7 different machines and tests, before finally getting to see the Dr, him playing with his charts, before finally fitting you with contacts. Here, I walked in to Grand Optical, told them my situation (that my roommate threw out my contact box so I didn't know my prescription) and within 10 minutes I was out. The woman who greeted me at the front desk smiled and simply brought me back to her little chair and table in the back, had me look in to this machine to check my eyes, and within 2 minutes the machine spat out my prescription and sizing for contacts. After explaining the nuances of my prescription with a level of precision and clarity I had never had before with any optometrist in Canada, she went and got a sample pair for me while she ordered the right ones in, and by the time I had put them in my eyes, she had already checked the prescription of my glasses to confirm that they matched my old one. 

Things I love that are particular to Brussels:

• "Networking" - In an orientation seminar to finding a job or internship in Brussels after and during out studies, we were told that 20% of jobs are on the internet, while the remaining 80% are on the hidden market that can be accessed only by word of mouth and meeting the right people. To meet the right people, you have to network. Networking is so important in Brussels, that we are encouraged to spend every Thursday evening (or mini-Friday), and every opportunity we can networking. Which means that we aren't just going out for the 4 different Happy Hours at Place Lux every Thursday, we're "networking". We aren't just going out for drinks at 3 in the afternoon in the Centre, we're "networking". Because in Brussels, many of the people working here are either expats, meaning they have a home and family elsewhere in the world, or/and they're young professionals, who have a life outside the office. The best ways to meet these people is either at a conference or a summit organised specifically to bring them together, or at a bar where they hang out or go for drinks after work. 
• The international environment; related to the first point of networking, it is amazing the people you meet and the opportunities you have living in Brussels. I have one friend who met, and is now seeing, this international surgeon while she was on the metro. Another friend ended up talking to and getting a business card from this guy that works at The Hague while we were out for drinks at Place Lux. Another who ended up meeting and picking up the German Nobel Peace Prize Winner as part of one of her duties as a volunteer at a particular Summit. Another who ended up meeting and setting a date with this fabulous international lawyer on a plane. They spent their evening "networking", getting introduced to all his important business contacts, and taking a private tour of the city in his BMW. I could go on and on. 

In Brussels there is an important international events happening just around the corner at all times. Walking to a cafe one afternoon several of the streets were barricaded off with police and their barbed wire fences. Apparently the Asia-Europe Meeting for Climate Change was going on next to where we wanted to get coffee, so the shop was closed. Or the Summit that Kent students had an opportunity to volunteer at the hosted dozens of important international academics and figure heads such as the Nobel Peace Prize Winner. 

Doing a Masters Degree that is dedicated to as much hands on practical application as possible, that is located in the most international city in Europe, and that has workshops dedicated to networking, CV refining, and getting an internship, I'm excited to see what the future holds. 

(dis)Orientation Week

Summer of 2010 is officially over. I had my first day of classes today (kind of....more or less) after an entire week of orientation. Orientation week was.. exhilarating, exhausting, inadequate, informative, and superfluous all at the same time. Obviously the most fun was had in the evenings at the mixer events planned by the JCR (student governing body). After the weekend of Olivia's birthday (which included amazing birthday cake, dancing at random pubs, almost getting in to a fight with an Algerian guy, lots of random wandering, and football Sunday afternoon in the park), we were determined to take it easy during the week... Well that lasted until about right after the tour Monday morning when we all went for a beer at a tavern after lunch. Basically we met tons of people, partied, networked, and generally had a blast every single night of the week aside from Wednesday, where we only sipped some 12 year old Scotch while playing the parking game on Andrew's balcony (1 sip if they parked in over 2 maneuvers, 2 if they hit another car while parking... 2/3 hit another car). Monday was just drinks, Tuesday was bowling (although Tom H. and I just drank a bottle of wine at our place because I got hit by a fucking car that day and didn't feel like going out), Wednesday was our sleepover at Andrew's (which we made into a weekly event it was so amazing), Thursday was drinks and networking at Place Lux where all the Eurocrats go after work. All this before the weekend. By the time Friday was finally there we were so exhausted, but then Friday was free wine at Welcome drinks on campus, so obviously we couldn't miss out. As usual, went for 1 free drink at 5pm, and ended up meeting a TON of people and getting home around midnight (while Andrew, Olivia and Tom B. didn't get home until 4am-ish). And then doing it again Saturday. We're suckers for punishment.

Aside from all the partying and "networking", we/I did get to get a feel for the campus, the program, and what we're in for for the next year. The campus is fairly small, especially compared to the U of S, but has everything you need. A cafe, a bar, an amazingly cheap cafeteria, library, and Common Room at Kent where everyone hangs out between classes. The teaching staff is a mixture of Professors and professionals in the field, and are all very down to earth and always cracking jokes. As a result of this and the small number of students, you get an amazing relationship with your instructors and an education that is a mixture of theory and hands on practical application. As for our individual programs, we're all very excited. That's the beauty of having friends who are all either in their Masters as well, or planning on doing a Masters very soon; we're all clearly very passionate about our fields. This makes for some wonderfully interesting discussions at random occasions. Such as Wednesday night where Olivia, Andrew, Tom B. and I were all in our pyjamas having a very a very trivial high school like conversation on the couch after watching Coco Avant Chanel when all of a sudden the conversation gets in to the political philosophical lens of the American education system, or lack thereof. And then on to sex. I love it.

As far as all of the people I have met, it's really interesting seeing the very diverse backgrounds, countries, and stories of everyone. I mean, the people in our group of friends alone ranges from an Irishmen, an Englishman, a Frenchman, an Aussie, a Spaniard, an Argentinian, a few Americans, some Canadians, and some Russian mixes. Out of all the people I have met so far at BSIS, everyone has a completely different story and perspective. The question, "What brings you to Brussels?" has given me some very interesting and thought provoking answers. Some people are being financed by their parents, some are on student loans. Some come from PhD and Professional parents, others from small town backgrounds. Some have international hands on experience abroad and in developing countries, others are just getting in to the international arena. Some have never travelled, others are on to their 32nd country. Some want to keep travelling after and stay in Brussels/Europe, others want to immediately go back to their respective countries. However, the one thing we all do have in common (aside from a select few who slipped through the cracks) is a passion for learning, thought provoking discussion, and the desire to make a difference. Be in through the LLM in Public International Law, the MA in International Conflict and Security, or the MA in International Development.

Since I never did find that poem I've been looking for that we found in Amsterdam, I'll finish this with the words of a fellow Canuck that sum things up nicely.

I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five 

A very valuable learning experience ;)

I really wanted to start this entry off with this amazing poem we stumbled across in Amsterdam titled "Je voudrais...", but I can't seem to find it anywhere. It would have perfectly described what I want to get across... Essentially it describes the feeling that I have that there is so much that I want to see, do, and learn in this world, that I can't possibly do it all in one lifetime. There is also the frustration I have with people who have so much potential and possibility to do so much, but rather chose to waste their life on an empty existence. Give me your life!! I could use it! I would love to have 3 more degrees in different topics that I have a passion for. As I believe language is the key to culture, I would love to truly learn at least 4 more languages and spend time living, experiencing and learning the culture in their respective places. I would love to do humanitarian work abroad. I would love to live full lifetimes of work and devotion to each of my 4 potential degrees. I would love to travel from the great pyramids of Egypt to the most remote of places hidden in the rain forests. To achieve important advancements in humanity and society, but to hike and travel the most remote locations... All the while experiencing and living life, faling in love, meeting great people, and somehow making money to fund all of this.

This is my problem. Some people attribute this to the nature of libras, wanting to achieve perfect balance in all aspects of their life, all the while being very social, giving, and fun loving. Amazing as it all sounds, it just isn't possible. Or is it....

This is basically our trip to Amsterdam. An attempt to capture and experience all sides of a truly diverse and multifaceted city in 2 days. As I mentioned, our first night included taking in the city at night, eating some lovely cookies and chocolates, and a live sex show. So we started our 2nd day by getting breakfast at a local café, taking in the scenery of a beautiful albeit windy day, and going to the Anne Frank house. For everyone that has read the book and/or visited the museum, I don't need to recount what a powerful and moving experience it was. If there is anyone out there that hasn't read the book, I highly recommend it. It really reminded me, all of us I think, of why we are in this field and why we are in Brussels for a Masters; Ideally, to ultimately affect positive change.

After this we had a great well priced lunch at a very Amsterdam (colourful graffiti, very antique, very delicious) café and continued on to the park, I AMsterdam sign, and the Van Gogh museum. Anyone who knows my should know my affinity for art, especially expressionism and fauvism, so I needn't explain much about this one. Aside from that it was on the top floor that held all of Van Gogh's inspirations that Olivia, Andrew and I found the poem that perfectly encapsulated the conversation Olivia and I had just had on the way over.

After this we caught the tram back to Central station (for 2,60€, despite our lovely questioning and pleading to get it for free or cheaper), and went on an hour long canal cruise of the city where the very old Captain actually hit the side of the canal. It was definitely no Paris river cruise, but was great nonetheless. After this, we reverted back to exploring the underbelly of Amsterdam and went to the Sex Museum. Amazing, fascinating, weird, socio-political-cultural experience. Haha. It is a side of history that I have definitely never seen before, and would most definitely go and see again.

Then, to continue our quest to experience the city, we had supper with a brownie for dessert, a beer at a local pub with pots hanging from the ceiling for decor, and wandered the city some more. I know I describe us wandering a lot, but wandering was probably some of the funnest and funniest times. As Ciara put it yesterday, "I'd have a blast in a box as long as I had friends there"; and we did.

The following day we were all very exhausted, so we just grabbed some croissant and muffins, some coffee and tea, and sat by the canals and river to enjoy our breakfast before slowly heading down to the bus station. As usual, on the ride back, after laughing seemingly pointlessly about random topics for hours, Olivia and I slipped in to a very deep metaphysical discussion, then back to pointless laughing, anger and frustration as we slowly crawled though Antwerpen, to finally ride the Crazy Bus all the way home.

An amazing trip. I can only hope for many more :)

European city of sin! I heart Amsterdam more than French food.

Amsterdam. Wow. One of the craziest, weirdest, funnest cities I have ever been in; and we've only been here since 6pm today. Today was also actually our "chill night'' after Nadia's birthday party last night. So when we got to Amsterdam, after the adventure to find our hostel, we planned on just eating and wandering. Explore the city a bit and plan our day tomorrow. Well..

First off, Amsterdam is so colourful, in every sense of the word. The grafitti is colourful and expressive, the style is colourful, the streets and signs are colourful, and the red light district is colourful. It is very chill, easy-going, and laid back. Probably the only city where you can have a casual discussion with a guy on the street corner trying to convince you to go to the Live Sex Show, and have one of the Window girls apologize to you.

We started off by going to the Irish Pub downstairs for supper. Well not only did we get 25% off for staying at the hostel, but the service super quick and friendly, and food was amazing. Traditional Irish stew was by far the best stew I've ever had. European food in general... I'm noticing a trend here.. Also met yet another French Canadian. A med student from Montreal doing his residency and taking a break in Barcelona and Amsterdam. From there, despite the fact it was raining, we grabbed our umbrellas and wandered the streets. Went in to a bunch of shops and stores, ate some chocolate (so amazingly good), and some cookies. Took in the local flavour.. Eventually when we wanted to head back to the hostel, we realized we didn't have a fucking clue where we were. So we continued wandering, and stumbled across the Red Light District, and got severely side tracked. After a long discussion and convincing by the guy selling tickets (and Andrew getting yeld at and apologized to by a Prostitute who thought he was taking pictures of her, when he was really taking pictures of the Swans in the canal), we ended up buying tickets to an 8 act Live Sex Show.

Well an hour and a half later, we walked out better people. Or kinker... or something. Totally lost still, and no blood left in our heads, we continued wandering, in a few complete circles, before FINALLY finding our hostel. Getting back, we settled in, Andrew Facebooked, I blogged, and we had some serious deep discussions. I love my friends. I love Amsterdam. I love Brussels. I love Europe. I love live Sex shows.

Tomorrow we're off to enjoy the more historical and cultural side of Amsterdam. Anne Frank House, Van Gogh museum, followed by a nightlife pub crawl of the Red Light District. A well balanced trip to Amsterdam.

I heart French food

So what to say about Paris... I love France, I really do. And my weekend in Paris was amazing. However, I'm still not very fond of the city itself. Am I the only person who doesn't head over heels love Paris??

The food in Paris was definitely the most remarkable and amazing aspect. I ate the most amazing croissant sandwhich in the morning. By far, the best sandwhich I've ever had. Had a chocolate pastry thing while sitting at a cafe, sipping tea, overlooking the Seine and the eiffel tower. Shopped at the Champs d'Elysee. Saw the Arche de Triomphe. Took an hour long night boat cruise on the Seine and saw all the sights of Paris from the river. Met a cute older Canadian Quebecois couple. Had an AMAZING 3 course supper at this random restaurant for 15 euro and a pitcher of wine for 11 euro.

Then had a Parisian night out going to Latin Quarter Cafe where all the servers are amazingly gorgeous and ripped men in booty shorts. So obviously, there was a huge crowd of women waiting to get in. We had to wait in line about an hour just to get in. When we got in, it was foggy, there were girls going crazy dancing on tables, chairs, everywhere, getting their friends the striptease shot from the servers, dancing to the awesome latin music. Then afterwards we met up with friends of Alison's and sat at a cafe for a while winding down the night before (finally and eventually) getting a cab home.

Then Sunday, after another great French breakfast, some great French cold meds, and Starbucks (!), we found some great shops and I got some kick-ass 20 euro boots before catching the RER and metro to catch the Eurolines bus back home.

All in all, even with the sickness, it was an amazing weekend. I love France. I can't wait to go see other cities. The food is fantastic. Loving the european adventures :)

Good new impression of Paris

I have so much to say about the arrival and night in Paris, even though it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. However, seeing as this sentence alone has taken me a few minutes to type due to the Azerty keyboard, I'll make it short.

15 minutes later I managed to switch it! Now I just have to guess where the keys are...

Seeing as our bus was 2 hours late, we didn't arrive at the station until shortly after 10. By the time Alison was there, and her friend Paul drove us back to her place, it was about 11:30. Because Julija and I were both so tired from the night before, we pretty much just ate and went to bed, woke up, had breakfast, and here we are. However, there is so much more to what happened than simply this.

The car ride back to here, for one, was interesting. Her friend Paul is actually an artist, the musical kind, Paul Latour. His car was one of the fanciest cars I've ever been in, althought he modestly claims that it's "not bad". On the drive here, which took a little while because Alison's flat is outside of Paris centre, we passed and saw so many things. One of which, was the Marché aux Puces, or literally translated, Flea Market; at 11pm. I guess selling used crap works better in the dark, haha. We also passed, in typical Parisian style, SO MUCH graffiti. Even though I've already mentionned this in a few different blogs, I still can't get over how absolutely everything is graffitied. Even parked vans in parking lot are covered. Once you get used to it, it does add some colour to the city.

Once we got to Alison's "modest" flat (better and nicer than any of mine or my european friend's), in true French style, she had this amazing, yet simple meal ready waiting for us by a very elegantly set table. A delicious salad, 2 different kinds of cracker style breads, a variety of juices, and some excellent French wine from the Vallée de Loire. So at midnight, the four of us sat, ate, sipped some wine, and talked. It was fantastic. Afterwards Paul showed us a few of his music videos, and Julija and I basically passed out from exhaustion.

This morning again, in true French fashion, our breakfast was so simple, yet so delicious and amazing. The same as any other breakfast I've had, yet different, like our meal the night before. We sat and talked around the set table, drank tea, hot chocolate and coffee, ate some cereal (which chocolate of course), with some brioche pain on the side, while gazing out the window to the sunny and warm Paris day lying ahead of us :).

These events while very normal, and completely ordinary to Alison, were still amazing. Such a relaxing atmosphere, great, fresh French food and drink, and good company. We truly are in France. I've realized that I don't hate Paris; I actually love it already. I hate touristy Paris.

Today however, should be much more exciting. First stop on the agenda is the Champs d'Élysée to take in the glitz and glamour and stop by Alison's modelling agency. We will see where the day and night takes us from there:)

The power of thought

How do we know when our lives are changing? Technically speaking, our lives are always changing. However, how do we know when something important is happening? An event that will be forever marked in our personal histories. These things are usually easy to spot in hindsight, or when reflecting upon the course of your life or certain periods. But can we manage to pinpoint, even in retrospect, certain realisations, encounters, trips, accidents, people, or decisions that changed our perceptions or courses forever? Better yet, can we identify these things as they are happening?

As a species, one of the things that make us unique is the ability to reflect. We can reflect on certain situations, pieces of information, the passing of time, or future possibilities and we are able document and share our discoveries with others. I think that this reflection, as such, is one of the things that makes us human; a crucial element in our lives. However, many of us do not take the time to reflect on subjects much deeper than what TV show to watch next, or what to do this evening? And we are all guilty at some point in time of purposely trying to drive thought and reflection away rather than embracing it. But how do we ever really get to know ourselves, what makes us tick, why we are the way we are, what we want, and how to make ourselves happy, if we have never stopped and thought about it? Even more, how do we expect other people to make us happy, if we ourselves don't have a clue?

All that being said, right now it's just past 9am and I just finished another great novel at about 4am this morning. I never have been able to put a good book down once I start. The book itself has little to do with ramble above, but is rather a work of fiction depicting a dystopian future cause by human beings selfishness, lust for immortality, and disrespect for nature; Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. While the book does read as science fiction with genetically spliced and created species running a mock everywhere and the better off human beings living in artificially created and protected compounds, taking a look around, you realize that it might not be too far off. Just the other day, Salmon that has been genetically altered to grow at twice the rate was declared safe to eat in North America (link). Not long ago I found a few of the more famous ponds in Brussels, only to discover they were dirty, fenced off with warnings of bacteria and potential botulism. Most of the beautiful parks left here are fake and have been landscaped and dreamed up. The most depressing thing about all of this, is that the progression of things happens so slowly and "naturally", like our lives, that if we don't stop to take in to account what we've done, what we're really doing, and the possible future consequences of our actions. Things then simply progress and move on until we reach a point, good or bad, where there is no return. If such a dystopian future were to ever come to existence, there will have been ample books, articles, lectures, newscasters, and researchers, to sum up, warnings of consequences that we didn't follow.

What does it take for us to actually sit down and think about the greater good? To think about and reflect on how we arrived at the state in which we find ourselves, as a species and as individuals. Unfortunately, it usually takes the worst to happen. However, if we were to pay closer attention to details, to the events around us that shape our lives, maybe we'd be able to better understand ourselves as individuals and as a whole. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is to actually stop doing everything else, just sit down, and think.

'Cause I'm a gypsy

So I'm back in Brussels from San Sebastian and life is getting more and more normal by the day. Brussels is really starting to feel like home. I'm meeting more and more really cool people by the day and have a few really good friends already. My list of places I have to travel to is also growing by the day with the more people I meet from all over Europe. We're now up to Hannover, Berlin, Bremen, Munich, Antwerp, San Sebastian, Paris, London, and Ireland. Quite possibly all before the end of 2010. I love living here. I already have plans to go to Paris to visit Alison with Olivia and Julija the 10th to 12th of September, and to go to Hannover with Julija to party together for our birthdays and see Vera the second weekend in October. Coming back to Brussels is also nice. I find that every time I have to show someone around and show off the city and the touristy places I find something new to love about the city and living here in Europe. I just feel so fortunate for being able to live here and have all these experiences. I also feel very fortunate and thank the universe for the amazing people I have met; you know who you are ;)

I really think the trip to San Sebastian did me a world of good. It was definitely the right choice; just meant to be I guess. Looking at the pictures, it already feels very surreal that I was in such a beautiful WARM place with such great company just earlier this week. However because of Spain, I'm noticing more and more the latin influence around me here. Just earlier tonight we were at a Latina Festival on the Street. Pulled out the Spanish again, drank some Sangria and Corona, had an empanada... I really do miss Spanish, and I want to re-learn/brush up my Spanish. Maybe after all the company leaves my apartment, in my spare time before school starts I'll track down a cheap textbook. I have a friend actually who speaks Spanish and wants to brush up on her French, maybe we can come to an arrangement ;) There's just so many other cultures and people out there, and language is basically the key to the gate. I mean, I might as well take advantage of all the opportunities here to learn another language and be able to practice it every day if I wanted!

I have also had Shakira stuck in my head ever since hearing her everywhere in San Sebastian, and the Brazilian girl we met reminding me of her when she said she must be a gypsy.

"Not the homecoming kind
Take the top off and who knows what you might find
Won't confess all my sins
You can bet I'll try it but you can't always win

Cause I'm a gypsy
Are you coming with me?
I might steal your clothes
And wear them if they fit me
Never made agreements
Just like a gypsy
And I won't back down
Cause life's already bit me
And I won't cry
I'm too young to die
If you're gonna quit me
Cause I'm a gypsy"

I think it's fitting :)

La vida es bella

Im writing this in the morning as I sit here alone on the pier with a croissant, some orange juice and tea, enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean, the bay, the mounts, the hills, the buildings and the people of San Sebastian one more time before we leave. As beautiful and warm as it is, and as much as I could lay on the beach and explore for another week, I'm ready to go home. That's right, I called Brussels home. :) I miss it. I miss being able to order, talk to people and ask questions without any problems. I miss being able to walk down the street and get an amazing 2€ sandwhich. I miss being able to go out for Indian, Chinese or Pad Thai. I miss being able to go see a movie that I recognize in a language I understand. I also kind of miss the large diversity of people and languages in Brussels. Surprisingly enough, I also had a moment where I missed the fries from Belgium. Which to all you that know me, know that is a true testament to how good they are. I will definitely miss the Sangria, the sun, the beaches, and the Spanish here though. But I now have a friend here, so I can come back to visit whenever :). Kaelyn is also coming back to Brussels with Alison and I, and I'll show her around there for a week before her classes start here. Ah life, it is impossible not to love it here. :)

Sent from my iPod

Espagna

Yesterday will probably go in the books as one of the best days I've ever had. It's not often that you have a day that is truly great start to finish.

Well the day started off with Alison, Kaelyn and I going for breakfast at a place called Regatta. Here they have this thing called Pinxtos, which is essentially a buffet of appetizer like things that you pick what you want and pay for individually. They have them at pretty much every bar, lounge and cafe. They're originally meant for people to have one or 2 with a drink to stave off hunger, or then move on to the next place and repeat. Either way, I don't have a clue what most of the things are, but they were delicious. We sat on the terrace and had a few different pieces of breakfast pinxtos each, had some tea and enjoyed the beautiful morning.

After that, we stopped at Fnac and I helped Kaelyn, who is from the States and just moved here to San Sebastian, get a cellphone, and we did a bit of shopping and browsing in some local shops. Found a beautiful scarf for 4,50. After this, Alison and I took a walk on one of the piers, stopped for a smoothie and met this awesome girl from Brazil, browsed the shops and bought myself a bracelet and Alison got a Chinese fan, and finally made it to the hiking trail at the base of Mount Urgull. We then went on a couple hour hike to the top of the Mount to where the statue is. It was amazing, so beautiful and so much history. On the way up we met a French family, stopped at the bar halfway up, met an Aussie working in the Middle East on vacation here, and found a tiny blue car that had somehow gotten to near the top.

After this, and a little siesta for Alison, we headed to La Concha beach, one of the 3 beautiful beaches just minutes away from our Hostel in Parte Vieja (Old Part) of San Sebastian. Amazing. Not only is it so beautiful and warm outside here, not only can you drink absolutely anywhere (and people do), but you are free to go completely topless on the beach if you want (and people also do). Probably about half the women on the beach were laying, walking around, and swimming topless. So I joined in too :)

After many hours of sunbathing topless, swimming in the ocean, catching waves, people watching, and enjoying the scenery, Alison, Kaelyn and I headed back to the hostels to get ready for supper. Alison and I found this Paellas Restaurant, and we were so hungry that we each finished an entire dish of the most amazing Paellas Valenciena I've ever had; along with a 10 euro pitcher of Sangria of course.

After a long and very interesting supper conversation we finally finished our pitcher and headed out to wander the streets. Parte Vieja is filled with bars, clubs, cafes, lounges, and terraces. We talked to a couple people handing out flyers, a few locals, and were eventually led to our first bar of the night. After a few rounds of free shots from the bartender and the man sitting next to me, we met a local who was going to Bilbao today to check out the festivals that are going on this week. Now, Alison had really wanted to go to Bilbao for these festivals, but hostels and transportation there were way too expensive, so we came to San Sebastian instead. So she was naturally overjoyed when he offered to bring us along to Bilbao today (we shall still see what comes of this).

At the next bar I met Simon from Munich, home of Oktoberfest, and we partied with him for a while, met and danced with a TON of people, talked to a group of French guys from Lille who were here for the night, and eventually I headed home "early" at about 3:30am. Apparently people here do not stop partying until at least 6am.

All in all, it was an amazing day. I love Spain. The Spanish I remember from 3 years ago is serving me well. And the best part is? This entire trip, start to finish, everything included, is costing me less than 300 euro :)

From laying bored on my floor in Brussels to sipping Sangria in Spain

So before posting about my trip in Spain, I figured I should probably at least sum up how it came to be. So where to start with the events of the last week that has led me to be here in Spain...

Well first of all, Tom left for India for an international conference on Thursday and will be gone until September 3rd. So to avoid spending 2 weeks alone in our apartment, I had thought about taking a trip somewhere. Because Tom works for an organization that deals with internships, coming and going, we end up having a lot of people stay at our place. One of the girls, Christina, invited me to go with her and a few friends to Morocco. This looked like the plan for a while, until I got more details and realized it would be costing upwards of 800 euro. So after canceling on that plan I started browsing internet sites for a travel buddy to go somewhere. Tuesday evening I ended up finding travelbuddy.com where Alison, currently living in London, and I ended up finding each other. By Thursday night she was on my couch in Brussels and we were looking for plane/train/bus tickets to Spain. Friday morning we found a cheap bus ticket and a good deal on a hostel in San Sebastian and planned to head out Saturday.

Alison is one of those people who are really truly remarkable. We both believe that we were clearly meant to meet and were sent to each other. She is so easy-going, fun, loving, free-spirit that believes in Karma and positive energy. She is exactly what I needed.

So having the day in Brussels, Friday Julija and I showed Alison the city and did some shopping. I finally took my camera with me and got some pictures of Brussels that I will post soon :) Then, Saturday at 1pm Alison and I headed to Gare du Nord to catch our Euroline bus for the 14 hour bus ride to Spain. Now, a 14 hour bus ride does sound daunting, but it actually went by really quickly and was fairly good; up until about 1am when we tried to fall asleep.

To make a long story short, the bus driver was incompetent and we lost 2 hours at the start when he had to go back to Brussels because he forgot people. Then in Paris, we almost didn't get let back on the bus by a new Spanish driver who didn't speak a word of English of French. THEN Alison almost got left behind because she ran in to get things she forgot on the counter in the terminal. Literally, I had to run up and plead with the bus driver to stop and let her in as he was backing out and she was running up to the bus. Seriously, I'm starting to think that the Universe just does not want me in Paris. Every experience has been a head-ache.

After this it was pretty good. Got many pictures of the French country-side, which looks astonishingly like Saskatchewan but with more trees and windmills. Then after 5 hours of very uncomfortable and restless not sleeping, we finally arrived at San Sebastian about 5:30am. After making the 20 minute walk to our Hostel, we discovered that it was actually 5:30 in the morning on a Saturday night (Sunday morning), the last Saturday night of a week long festival. So the streets near our hostel were jam packed with people. Sooo many drunk people. To make things even better, our room wouldn't be ready until noon, not the 7am we expected. However, the extremely nice Front Desk guy let us crash on this loveseat on the top floor until our room was ready. However, it was extremely humid and hot and stuffy, so we had to open the doors to the terrace. But, the terrace overlooked the street, which was packed with people partying. AND we were 2 people on a tiny loveseat. Needless to say, after hours of laying there listing to people outside, and then listening to the huge loud cleaning truck, our room was finally ready at about 11am.

After all of this however, we were finally in Spain, with a room and beds to sleep on :). So we made the most of our day by wandering the streets, seeing monuments, trying out some food, pastries and teas at local restaurants, planning the next few days, meeting people, and relaxing on a terrace by one of the beaches with a pitcher of Sangria.

Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.

One thing about moving to a foreign country, is that you underestimate the convenience of being able to simply go out and buy the things you need when you run out. For example, just today, August 16th, I finally managed to find Listerine. Without any Walmarts or Shoppers Drugmarts available, or any Pharmacy's or grocery stores carrying it, where do you go? Sure the local European version of Dollarstore carried some foreign liquid that resembled mouthwash (with no seal on the cap), and the Turquish cheap street, Bourbonne carried some similar mouthwash resembling liquid with no seal, but no actual mouthwash.

One of the main problems is that in North America, we've gotten used to being able to go to these superstore chains that carry everything we need. We simply have to drive to the nearest one (you can Google it, use Directory Assistance, or even use the map on your cell phone), and buy everything you need. Here it is quite different. There is a particular store for everything you need. And most of the time, it isn't a chain store, but rather a locally owned business. If it is a chain store, its most likely the only one in your area of the city, or in the country even. For instance, on the block around my apartment, there is a printer ink cartridge store, a butcher shop, a baker, a produce shop, a key cutter, a stationary store, a bookstore, a Pharmacy (that only caters to medical needs), etc. So for someone new to the area, setting out to find something simple that you need can be quite the adventure. Most of the time, you end up stumbling across the store that carries what you need by total accident and just have to go in and buy it right then, like today.

If you go to a mall or the city center you can usually manage to find some department stores like we have in North America. The biggest (and to my knowledge the only) mall in Brussels is City 2, which takes up 2 blocks and 4 levels. In this mall today (which is the 3rd time that I'Ve been to it) I managed to find the European equivalent to Futureshop (Fnac)(hidden on a floor I didn't know existed), the European equilvalent to The Bay (Gallerie Inno), and the European equivalent of a mini Shoppers (minus many things, obviously including the grocery, household and drug sections)(Di).

Grocery shopping is a whole other story. There are no Sobeys, Safeway, or Superstore sized grocery stores anywhere in all of Belgium (probably even Europe). To my knowledge, there are 2 superstore sized grocery stores in Brussels (which are actually probably close to the size of Sobeys in Saskatoon), and they are at opposite ends of the city, near the extremities. There are a handful of medium sized grocers, which are about the size of the Co-op Foods in Redvers, and a bunch of little stores, which are about the size of your average 7Eleven. I actually came across a medium sized store today (also in the giant mall), and yes it is much bigger than the small stores, but it has a few isles that we don't have in Canada. For example, every single Belgian grocery store, even the smallest one, has a Chocolates section. This medium sized store had an entire isle devoted to Chocolates. Every grocery store, including the tiny one near-ish our place, also has a fair sized liquor, beer and wine section. This grocery store also had an entire isle devoted to wine. Finding a breakfast cereal here was also different. Unlike in Canada where the giant cereal isle is split into 2 sections, healthy and sugary, here there is only one. Healthy with chocolate. That's right, almost every single cereal comes with chocolate in it. Chocolate is an integral part of breakfast here.

I'm back!

Well I've been back in Brussels for 10 days now, and it feels like I never left. (except I'm not dying of heat anymore) This place, despite our total lack of furniture, is starting to feel more like home now. A Canadian friend of Tom's that has been here for a year already is moving back to Canada, and for helping her move and giving her a place to stay for a few weeks before she leaves, she is giving us a few odds and ends. Notably, 2 small tables or end tables, some kitchen stuff, and a foldable ikea closet thing! So after setting that up I could finally get my room organized and make it look and feel more like a room, rather than a sad space with a horrible air mattress and suitcases. We also went up shopping on Bourbonne Street, which is a very cheap Turkish street where you pay in cash and get no receipt, and got some curtains, pillows, a few blankets and such. So I now have a curtain, a mattress (queen at that!) sheets, and a tiny closet! Haha, living the life. Tomorrow (hopefully) we will pick up a table and chairs we bought off a BSISer that is moving out, and we will finally go to Ikea and get some more things (hopefully a couch) and actually have things to sit on! Finding time to go to Ikea has been extremely difficult, as Tom's schedule right now, is like mine during my last 3 months of school (so any one that knows me, will know exactly how much spare time he has). On top of that, Ikea, as is the same with almost all other stores in this city, closes at 8pm during the week, and 9pm on the weekend. Also because it is huge (but actually very very small by North American standards), it is almost outside the city, so it takes a half hour to get there. Anyway, Tom finally had to book time in his schedule to go to Ikea, and the day has finally gotten here! The big question now, is how to get things home.

That is the one major issue here: lack of vehicle. This is a huge pro and con for many reasons. Good, mostly for the lack of expenses on gas, parking, insurance, license, accidents, etc. The public transit system is amazing, so you can get anywhere you want quicker than driving anyways. You never need to find parking. No need to worry about who is driving, and you never ever need to find a DD. However, when it comes to moving things, you are shit out of luck. My mattress we had to fold in half (thank you ikea) and bring on the Metro. Suitcases were also brought this way. But for the table and chairs we had to tap Tom's list of connections for someone with a car we could borrow. Or I guess the other alternative people use here is a taxi-van. For about 15 euro they can load it up and take it back home. This is probably what we will end up doing from Ikea. They have a whole fleet of taxi-vans eagerly waiting to take people home right outside the store.

As far as Brussels itself goes, it is amazing. Sure there are many European quirks that we have to get used to (sitting shower, no food delivery, very consistent weather), but we are in Europe after all. Everyone I have met (the list goes on to include people from Poland, Czech Republic, Brazil, Germany, Russia, Romania, Holland, Greece, Ireland, France, Turkey, strangely not Belgium, and other countries I'm sure I've forgotten) all speak 3-5 languages. The Germans in particular that I've met, all speak 5 languages. It's amazing to be in the metro or any other public place, and hear at least 3 different languages being spoken around you. The Belgians apparently, while being very friendly, are very reserved. So while I have obviously spoken to many of them that are in the service industry, I haven't actually met one.

Speaking of the Germans, they literally did not believe me when I told them how much a pack of cigarettes cost in Canada. They were actually complaining about the price of a pack here in Brussels, 4,70 euro. They said where they are from they can get a pack for 3 euro. They almost fell on the floor when I assured them the Canadian prices were real. AND that in winter they could not smoke inside, but rather had to go outside, 10m from the door, and freeze to smoke. They both agreed they'd rather quit.

Also, no Europeans so far have heard of marshmallows or gravy! Gravy especially! I can also see why no one eats burgers here; they're disgusting. They're all fried in this big pot together and look very orange and rubbery. Belgian fries on the other hand, are reputed to be the best in the world, and I believe them. They also make the best waffles, which you can buy on any street corner for 2 euro, and chocolat, which you can also buy on almost any street corner. I know what everyone is getting for Christmas ;)!

This weird journey and Elizabeth Gilbert

Life is a journey. You hear proverbs, song lyrics, poems, and wise people telling you this all the time. We normally just agree. But it really is a one big learning experience. We really do have the potential to learn something important every single day of our lives. Upon inception, we have every possibility and potential ahead of us. When we are born, we are placed with limitations based on our gender, race, nationality, and class. The infinite possibilities and wonders of the universe are still out there, but it simply becomes harder for some to get there. Many can't even fathom beginning to explore or try to understand life or the world around us. Some cannot based on limitations placed upon them and others either choose not too either because they choose to ignore these realities and possibilities, or because they have found peace with their own personal environment. For those of us that have been given the burden and blessing of curiosity, the desire to explore, question and learn from the world, the path to enlightenment and understanding isn't always easy.

Wonder where all this is coming from or where it is going? I'm currently reading one of the most amazing novels I have ever read. Maybe not amazing on its own standing (although it was featured on Oprah), but amazing to me because of the perfect timing in which I found it in my life. I discovered this book at a moment where I found (and still find) myself in the middle of this huge transitionary period, where I am at a complete loss on almost everything, carrying with me nothing but a suitcase (or 4), some tickets, and some hope. It was literally exactly what I needed; spiritually and emotionally as well as physically (I had 18 hours to kill). I'm not quite finished it yet; I still have about 100 pages left. While I am really anxious to continue reading, at the same time, I don't want it to end.

A piece of non-fiction, this book is a memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert's year long 3 part journey of self discovery that took her to Italy, India, and Indonesia. Reading it is like having a conversation with this woman about her journey while she charmingly imparts her newfound wisdom and learning experiences with you. As one review says, "Gilbert's prose is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit, and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible." It's true.

So... the point is that in a moment where I was feeling especially lost mentally and physically in one of the many airports I've been in recently, this book was and continues to be amazing. I highly recommend it. And I hope that every day I can continue learning as much as I have.

To the wonderful people throughout my travels

One thing I have not yet mentioned is the people that I have met thus far in my travels. I can definitely thank my mother for is the ability to strike up a conversation and make friends with anyone I come across. In the few weeks that I've been gone from Saskatchewan I've met so many very different people from very different backgrounds. If you ask the right questions, you can get to know so much about different cultures, societies, countries and just gain knowledge and life experiences just by having a conversation with the person you're sitting next to. Not that all the people I have met and all my conversations were very serious and insightful, but some of them had some pretty awesome moments. These are a few out of the many people I met that really struck me.

The first person I met was Patrick in Saskatoon airport. He's Quebecois and was heading to Montreal as well so I got to talk to him for most of my travels that day. After originally meeting him during a Happy Hour at Le Relais, to my surprise I learned that he has a PhD in environmental science or environmental engineering. Among other things we talked and explored the subject of higher education and the purpose and utility of master's degree and doctorate. We also discussed the vast differences between the regions in Canada, and how someone from Quebec living in Saskatoon is as good as an immigrant.

In Montreal I met and partied with many people I met through Paul, but the next influential person was Boris, whom I met at Picnik Electronik in Montreal. He is originally from Russia but immigrated to Canada with his family when he was 10. Having this background, Boris speaks perfect French, Russian, and English with a bit of an accent. A very cool, deep, and older spirited individual with some amazing MJ moves on the dance floor. We talked a lot about the vast cultural and societal differences between our countries' generations and the generations divided by the Iron Curtain. Also generally about world affairs and current political events and how much the US is fucking up. It was one of those amazing conversations that made me so thankful for my degree. I don't think I've ever fully realized exactly how much I learned, retained, and applied my education until traveling and meeting all these people.


I also met a lot of other travelers from the States, Australia, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, and more Americans. The person who I had the best conversation with though was Raj, the front desk manager at my hostel in Paris. We started talking while I was sick and stayed in the main lobby and lounge one whole afternoon on the internet and reading. He also ended up walking me to Gare du Nord to catch my TGV to Brussels and bought me an orange juice for sustenance. He is originally from Tunisia and has been living in Paris for the last 10-15 years. Upon discussion why I was leaving Paris, he talked all about what he loves about Paris and why he decided to move and stay there. We also discussed the many, many differences between The Prairies and Paris. This conversation made me think a lot of emigrating in general, moving to a knew place and your bond and affection for your home country. He really made me nostalgic about Canada.

In Brussels I also met and partied with many people through Tom, and I've already talked about the Russian, Polish and Chek girls. But I also met these two Australian women at the train station and on the train yesterday that were traveling Europe without their husbands or kids. It just struck me not only how friendly they were (reminded me of other Canadians), but how much they had been through on their travels and how much they still loved it. The one woman had gotten food poisoning in Barcelona from fish and ended up in the emergency room for 2 nights and the other one got robbed and lost her cell phone in another city, but they were still just floating from city to city loving the experience and the adventure... and the shopping.

Probably the person that has the biggest influence in my mind was Gisele from Vancouver whom I met at Brussels Airport at a very low point in my day when I was on my way to Amsterdam. It was literally the peak point of a horrific morning when I ran into her in line at the bar next to the gate to buy my juice. She remembered me from in line at the Check in counter and noticed that I was Canadian. She ended up buying me my juice and insisted on feeding me (as it was 2pm and I had not yet eaten that day) and split her amazing Belgian waffle and the equally amazing chocolate covered roasted soy nuts she brought with her from Seattle. She was in Belgium for a friends wedding and loves the country and the lifestyle so much she stayed as long as she could before having to return to work in Vancouver. She was a very strong, outgoing, personable woman who after working a high profile office career for so long up and quit and became a flight attendant. She loves her job but refuses to be labeled by it. Our conversation was filled with her hilarious anecdotes about the ignorance and stupidity of people when they realize they no longer have control while flying, the pleasures and goals of life in general, and the great things you can get and learn from traveling, and how this can rival many of the educations and diplomas you can get at institutions.

Lastly there is Daniel, a Swede who is keeping me company in Amsterdam. We talked at lengths about our two countries, his experiences in the States, the origins of Canada and why we are the way we are, and the many, many differences between the very close geographically European countries.He also made me think about the benefits and values of traveling, and what you can learn from meeting new people. He is largely what inspired me to write this entry.

So I dedicate this rather long post to him, and all the wonderful people I have met so far and all I have learned from them. Hopefully there will be many more to come :)